by Inspiration | Jul 30, 2023 | Archives, Featured, Spiritual Growth
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your… Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord’s, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints, that once etched the sand next to Jesus’, are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually, they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints: they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints are back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Deep gashes in the sand. A
;
by Inspiration | Jul 29, 2023 | Archives, Featured, Spiritual Growth
The Old Paths was written by a retired minister who lives in Tennessee I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work. Brothers went into… The Old Paths was written by a retired minister who lives in Tennessee I liked the old paths, when Moms were at home. Dads were at work. Brothers went into the army. And sisters got married BEFORE having children! Crime did not pay; Hard work did; And people knew the difference. Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would behave. Husbands were loving; Wives were supportive; And children were polite. Women wore the jewelry; And Men wore the pants. Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; And children looked decent. People loved the truth, And hated a lie; They came to church to get “IN”, Not to get “OUT”! Hymns sounded Godly; Sermons sounded helpful; Rejoicing sounded normal; And crying sounded sincere. Cursing was wicked; Drugs were for illnesses and nothing more; And divorce was unthinkable. The flag was honoured; Our country was beautiful; And God was welcome! We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school; And preached from house to house To be called a Hero of our nation was worth dying for; To be called a Christian was worth living for; To be called a Traitor
;
by Inspiration | Jul 28, 2023 | Archives, Featured, Relationship
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely… I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called “Smile.” The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch; an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body”
;
by Inspiration | Jul 27, 2023 | Archives, Featured, Inspiration
Cat was walking along one early evening, heading toward the village. Cat was a friendly sort. In her lives, she wore many hats. Sometimes she was a companion, listener and… Cat was walking along one early evening, heading toward the village. Cat was a friendly sort. In her lives, she wore many hats. Sometimes she was a companion, listener and even a watch cat. Suddenly, out of the shadows leapt a massive dog. To cat, it seemed as if a chunk of the sky had fallen into her path. In the shadowy darkness, the animal towered over cat and bared its great, sharp, yellow teeth. “Run away,” the dog snarled. Startled nearly out of her wits, cat knew that if she were going to survive she must not panic. She imposed a steely calm on herself and looked up at the beast. “I beg your pardon,” answered cat, far more calmly than she felt. “I have business here. Let me pass.” The dog had not expected this reaction. He usually left his victims weak with fear by simply looking at them. “Run,” he repeated. “I don’t like the way you drift about these parts cozying up to people and making them feel so secure. This is my place. Everyone here does as I tell them to.” Now cat was nearly
;
by Inspiration | Jul 26, 2023 | Archives, Featured, Spiritual Growth
Christianity means having faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It means to trust in the Bible as God’s Holy Infallible Word. It is realizing sin separates us from… Christianity means having faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It means to trust in the Bible as God’s Holy Infallible Word. It is realizing sin separates us from God who is righteous and just; Knowing we can’t be reconciled on our own, so in Christ we trust. It is understanding we cannot earn God’s grace by virtues or good behavior. It is acknowledging we’re sinners who need the atonement of our Savior. It’s realizing that laws and religion do not have the power to save us. It’s knowing and loving Jesus and accepting the gift that He gave us. It is believing that Jesus took our sins at the cross for our debt to be paid. It is assurance we have eternal salvation because of the sacrifice He made. It’s asking for God’s forgiveness and to help us make a fresh start; Asking Him to be with us always, and to fill us in mind and in heart. It is having faith in God’s sovereignty for He knows what’s best; Thanking Him for all He has done and for how we’ve been blessed. This is the message of
;
by Inspiration | Jul 25, 2023 | Archives, Attitude, Featured
A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she… A long time ago in China, a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn’t get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits. In addition, she criticised Li-Li constantly. Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li’s poor husband great distress. Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father’s good friend, Mr Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all. Mr Huang thought for a while, and finally said, ‘Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem,
;
